puberty

The secondary sexual characteristics. At puberty in both sexes, there is a growth spurt, an increase in body hair, the development of pubic hair, and increase in genital size. In females breasts develop, hips broaden, and periods start. In males the voice breaks and facial hair develops.

Stage in human development when the individual becomes sexually mature. It may occur from the age of ten upwards, but each person is individual. The sexual organs take on their adult form and pubic hair grows. In girls, menstruation begins, and the breasts develop; in boys, the voice breaks and becomes deeper, and facial hair develops. Both boys and girls will experience emotional as well as physical changes.